Peace to reign in Manchester tonight

The Manchester Peace Coalition will be hosting a Peace Game at Brooks Park in Mandeville and a Peace Concert at Mandeville Greens today at 7 p.m., as part of activities to mark International Peace Day, which was observed yesterday.

Dr Clifton Reid, chair of the Manchester Peace Coalition, said the week of activities provided an opportunity for persons to engage in peace-building activities.

"The observation of International Peace Day, and by extension the week, assists in the promotion of ideas of peace, love and unity, which is very important in the current climate of violence and anger. It also provides the opportunity for persons to learn that we are more alike than different and for the survival of our society, peace is necessary," he explained.

Earlier in the week, the coalition commenced a week of activities under the theme, 'The Right to Peace and the Way Forward'. Activities included a church service on September 16; a panel discussion on September 19, and a peace vigil, which included candle lighting and counselling, was held yesterday at Mandeville Greens, Manchester.

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION

The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) urged all Jamaicans to be part of the solution in preventing crime and violence as the first steps to claiming peace.

The alliance made the appeal in recognition of International Peace Day, which was observed under the theme 'The Right to Peace!'

Dr Elizabeth Ward, chair of the VPA, said that everyone should adopt a non-violent approach to problem solving. "Report crimes and potential crimes to the authorities," she said.

Bemoaning the increasing number of children murdered since the start of the year, Ward said that it is clear that more action is required to achieve the goal of peace.